Mobile Skating Aid Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mobile skating aid apparatus for supporting a skater stationed inside and, optionally, an attendant stationed outside of the apparatus at the rear to push from behind and monitor the skater. The apparatus comprises support members for the skater to grasp for support and to propel and steer the apparatus, a horizontally-positioned stabilizing beam which the skater straddles in order to provide a seat for the skater to sit upon in situations where the skater loses footing and which transforms into a more comfortable bench for resting or for changing footwear. At least one gliding or rolling element is also provided to enable the apparatus to move along a surface. The apparatus may also further comprise side rails which serve both to stabilize the apparatus and to further protect the skater against falls as well as collisions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention relates to sports equipment. Morespecifically, the present invention is related to a skating aidapparatus for use primarily in supporting individuals withmobility/balance disabilities that would make skating difficult andunsafe in the absence of appropriate physical support or protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals with mobility/balance disabilities often face difficultieswhen engaging in physical activities that others often take for granted.One such example is ice skating, an activity which requires a greatamount of coordination and balance to avoid falling. For persons whomust cope with impaired faculties such as dexterity, mobility, balance,sensory perception or mental acuity, skating is consequently difficultand unsafe without the assistance of specialized equipment.

Skating aids that provide support for skaters are well known in the artbut are aimed primarily at beginning skaters, children in particular.Such skating aids are generally simple frames which a skater grasps tosupport his or her body weight until he or she can develop balance.These simple frames help stabilize a skater to some degree—but do notnecessarily arrest a fall, should one occur. As such, they presentdifficulties for persons with mobility/balance disabilities. Forexample, such designs often insufficiently account for the uniquedifficulties and safety concerns that individuals with mobility/balancedisabilities face. In particular, individuals with mobility/balancedisabilities are more susceptible to losing their balance and falling,and are less able to protect themselves should they fall. Thus, they areat greater risk of injury. In addition, such designs do not providesupport for attendants of the disabled. Should the individual using theskating aid require the support of an attendant, the attendant is alsoat risk of injury when trying to prevent the skater from falling or intrying to get the skater back on his or her feet.

Skating aids that provide means for preventing a fall even where theskater loses balance are also known in the art, though less common.However, these aids do not sufficiently accommodate individuals withmobility/balance disabilities. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,734entitled “Training Aid for Skaters” describes a skating aid comprising aframe surrounding the skater and a seat suspended from said frame thatthe user straddles. Difficulties are apparent in terms of getting intoand out of the frame without assistance, an issue which is exacerbatedif the skater is physically disabled and is wearing skates at the time.

Similarly, the skating aid described in US Patent Application No.2014/0141940 A1 entitled “Training Aid for Skaters” features ahorizontal support bar with a seat for the skater to rest upon andhandlebars which the skater grasps for balance and to propel the aidforward. A disadvantage of this device is that there is nothing on thesides or rear of the apparatus to protect the skater from collisions orfrom falls in these directions. An additional potential drawback of thisskating aid is that there is nothing at the rear to stabilize anattendant or allow him or her to push or steer from behind. A furtherpotential drawback is that the device is primarily designed for use bychildren and may not accommodate adults.

Accordingly, there is a need for lightweight, compact, adjustableskating aid apparatus that enables persons with a range of disabilitiesor impairments to skate (or act as an attendant to a skater) withsignificantly reduced risk of injury to either party.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a skating aid apparatus for useprimarily in supporting individuals with mobility/balance disabilities.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for providing support for a skater. The apparatus comprising;at least two support members, at least one of which the skater can graspfor support; a stabilizing beam for connecting the at least two supportmembers and which the skater can straddle when using the apparatus; andat least one gliding or rolling element connected to each of said atleast two support members to allow movement of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the height and width of the at least two supportmembers are independently adjustable.

In another embodiment, the at least two support members comprisetelescopic sections to allow for the height and width to be adjustedindependently.

In a further embodiment, the stabilizing beam is releasably connected tothe at least two support members.

In a still further embodiment, the stabilizing beam can rotate withrespect to the at least two support members from a skating position,whereby the plane of the stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicularto the surface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a restingposition, whereby the plane of the stabilizing beam is substantiallyparallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated.

In yet another embodiment, the length of said stabilizing beam isadjustable.

In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one siderail that interconnects the at least two support members for improvingthe structural integrity of the apparatus. The side rails can be anyshape; however, the skater may find it easier to grasp cylindricallyshaped or substantially cylindrically shaped side rails.

In another embodiment, the length of the at least one side rail isadjustable.

In a further embodiment, the at least one side rail is fully detachablefrom the at least two support members.

In still a further embodiment, one end of the at least one side rail ispivotably attached and dimensioned to be stored inside one of thesupport members.

In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises slotsvertically arranged on the at least two support members to receive theends of said stabilizing beam, the one or more side rails, or acombination of both of these.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a base to whichthe at least two support members are attached thereto. The basecomprising a keel that is dimensioned to span the distance between theat least two support members.

In another embodiment, the keel is rotatable along its longitudinal axisfrom a vertical position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam issubstantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus isbeing operated, to a foot rest position, whereby the plane of saidstabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surface in which theapparatus is being operated.

In yet a further embodiment, the gliding elements are skis or runnersthat interconnect the at least two support members. The length of theskis or runners can be adjusted.

In a still further embodiment, the support members are foldable upon thebase to facilitate transport and storage of the apparatus when not inuse.

In another embodiment, the rolling elements are wheels.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises wheels attachedto at least one of the support members or to the base to facilitatetransportation of the apparatus to and from a desired location for use.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a seat elementattached to said stabilizing beam. The seat element being dimensioned tobe storable in a support member or removed from the apparatus when notin use.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least threesupport members and at least two stabilizing beams.

In a still further embodiment, the stabilizing beam comprises fasteningelements at each end for connecting the stabilizing beam to said supportmembers.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base withcentral beam or keel that is intended to prevent skaters with certaindisabilities from inadvertently crossing their ankles.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base withcentral beam or keel and open sides to permit skaters with certaindisabilities to adopt a wider lateral stride.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base withcentral beam or keel and sides that may be enclosed to constrain thelateral stride of skaters with certain disabilities.

In a still further embodiment, the base comprises length adjustingmeans.

In a still further embodiment, the side rails are removable and comprisefastening elements at each end for connecting them to said supportmembers.

In a still further embodiment, the side rails may be connected to thesupport members at various points to form a protective enclosure ofvariable height and width.

In a still further embodiment, at least one of the side rails may beconnected to the support members at a point close to the base to serveas a footrest when putting on or removing skates.

In a still further embodiment, at least one of the side rails may beconnected to the support members at a point above the beam to serve as abackrest when putting on or removing skates.

In a still further embodiment, at least of the one side rails isdimensioned to be storable in the base of the apparatus.

In a still further embodiment, at least one rolling element is affixedto the base or to a support element such that the folded apparatus maybe rolled along by the skater or the attendant (in a manner similar toluggage).

In a still further embodiment, at least one handle is affixed to thebase or to a support element such that the folded apparatus may begrasped and towed or pushed by the skater or the attendant (in a mannersimilar to luggage).

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a seatelement attached to said stabilizing beam that may be reconfigured toserve as a platform bench.

In a still further embodiment, the seat element is dimensioned to bestorable in a support member or in the base or to be removed from theapparatus when not in use.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises lightspositioned on at least one of the support members.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of assembling the apparatus described above. The methodcomprising the steps of: positioning the at least two support membersvertically with respect to the base; attaching the stabilizing beam tothe at least two support members; and fastening the at least one siderail to the at least two support members.

In one embodiment, the at least two support members hinged to the baseand rotated into their vertical orientation.

In another embodiment, the step of positioning comprises inserting theat least two support members into the base.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod of supporting a skater who is skating on a surface. The methodcomprising the steps of: providing a skating aid apparatus;communicating skating motion of the skater within the apparatus bypushing on one of the support members so as to cause the apparatus tomove upon the surface, and communicating skating motion of the attendantstationed outside of the apparatus by pushing on one of the supportmembers so as to cause the apparatus (and the skater inside theapparatus) to move upon the surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided theuse of a skating aid apparatus for supporting a skater who is skating orrolling on a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Described herein are mobile skating aid apparatuses, and methods of usethereof. It will be appreciated that embodiments and examples areprovided for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and arenot meant to be limiting in any way.

These, and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the mobile skating aid apparatus in extendedand collapsed view according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a front exploded view of an embodiment of the mobileskating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the skating apparatus (10) of the inventioncomprises: at least two support members (12, 14), at least one of whicha skater can grasp for support; a stabilizing beam (20) for connectingthe at least two support members and which the skater can straddle whenusing the apparatus (10); and at least one gliding or rolling element(30) connected to each of the at least two support members (12, 14) toallow movement of the apparatus (10).

The support members (12, 14) are vertically positioned and make up thefront and rear of the apparatus (10). When in use, a skater can graspone of the support members (12, 14) for balance and to steer theapparatus (10) along the surface. In addition, an attendant positionedoutside the apparatus (10) and to the rear can grasp the other supportmember and push or steer the apparatus (10) from behind, using greateror lesser force depending on the degree of assistance required by theskater. The support members (12, 14) may be constructed from a range ofmaterials, including but not limited to: metal, synthetic materials,natural materials, sheets, fibers, castings, and combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the support members (12, 14) can further comprisegrips (16, 18) which a skater or attendant can use to better grasp theapparatus when using it. The grips (16, 18) can be separate elementsthat can be added to the support members (12, 14) to surround thesupport members (12, 14) or can be simply separate sections of thesupport members (12, 14) having a different texture from the mainportion of the support members (12, 14) to provide added grip for theattendant/skater. When the grips (16, 18) are provided as separateelements, they can be made from various materials to provide comfortand/or warmth to the skater/attendant. For example, the grips (16, 18)could be made from foam or resilient plastic. Optionally, low voltagehealing coils can be integrated with the grips (16, 18) to providewarmth to the grips.

In some embodiments, the support members (12, 14) can be independentlyadjusted for height and width to accommodate skaters of varying sizesand to minimize interference with the skater's natural skating stride.For example, the support members (12, 14) can be provided withtelescopic sections that are stored in and can be extended from thesupport members (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

Although the support members (12, 14) are shown throughout the figuresas having similar shape and size, it is conceivable that each supportmember may have a unique shape and/or size. For example, in someembodiments it may be desirable to provide an apparatus having a frontsupport member, as shown in the figures, to provide the skater with acomfortable and safe surface to grab and support themselves. However, itmight be more convenient for the attendant to have a support member thatis shorter than the front support member, but is provided with a handlethat extends from the support member to allow for easier pushing andsteering of the skater.

The stabilizing beam (20) is horizontally positioned and interconnectsthe support members (12, 14). For skating, the beam hangs down from theconnection points, presenting a narrow profile that a skater positionedinside the apparatus (10) straddles so as to arrest a fall in situationswhere said skater loses balance. In some embodiments, when the skatertires and needs a more comfortable seat or needs to put on or take offskates, the stabilizing beam (20) may be rotated so that its broadsurface is parallel to the ground to serve as a wider bench. Thestabilizing beam (20) may be constructed from a range of materials,including but not limited to: metal, synthetic materials, naturalmaterials, sheets, fibers, castings, and combinations thereof. However,it is preferred that the overall construction of the beam (20) is rigidin order to improve the structural integrity of the apparatus (10). Toimprove the level of comfort for the skater using the apparatus (10),some or all the stabilizing beam (20) can be covered with a material(24), or combination of materials, that provide cushioning for theskater.

In some embodiments, the length of the stabilizing beam (20) can beadjustable. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the stabilizing beam(20) can be provided with telescopic sections (22) that are stored inand can be extended from the stabilizing beam (20). In other cases, thelength of stabilizing beam (20), as well as other components of theapparatus that are adjustable in length, width or height, can adjustedby dividing the beam into two or more sections that are nested withinone another and which are connected to one another by fasteners.

For ease of transport, it is preferred that the stabilizing beam (20) isreleasably connected to the support members (12, 14). Several differentmechanisms for releasably connecting the stabilizing beam (20) to thesupport members (12, 14) are known in the art. For example, the ends ofthe stabilizing beam (20) can be provided with rigid hooks (25) that areinserted, and pressure fitted into slots (26) provided on the supportmembers (12, 14). In another embodiment, the slots (26) can be in theform of keyholes to which a bolt can be inserted and screwed into thestabilizing beam (20). The arrangement depicted in FIG. 7, provides aplurality of keyhole slots (26) in a vertical arrangement on the supportmembers (12, 14) thus allowing for the height of the stabilizing beam(20) to be adjusted to a level that conforms to the leg length of theskater and minimizes obstructions to the natural stride of the skater.Similarly, the slots (26) can be arranged horizontally to accommodatedifferent configurations of the components of the apparatus (10).

The gliding or rolling elements (30) serve as a point of contact betweenthe gliding surface, such as ice, pavement, concrete and wood flooring,and the rest of the apparatus (10). Examples of gliding elementsinclude, but are not limited to, rounded pegs, skates, skis, runners,and any other casting or extrusion with a smooth or rounded surface toenable the apparatus to smoothly glide along a surface. Examples ofrolling elements include, but are not limited to, wheels and other roundor spherical elements that enable the apparatus to move smoothly along asurface. In some embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-6, the apparatus cancomprise four gliding elements (30) at the bottom corners of the supportmembers (12, 14). Although a similar shaped gliding or sliding element(30) is shown at each corner in FIGS. 3-6, based on the specificcircumstances, different gliding or sliding elements (30) may beprovided on each of the support members (12, 14). In addition, thegliding or sliding elements (30) may be removable to allow forcustomization of the apparatus (10) based on the surface and conditionsthat the apparatus (10) is being operated in. Moreover, as shown in FIG.1, the gliding or sliding elements (30) can interconnect the supportmembers (12, 14). In this case, the gliding elements (30) can comprise apair of skis positioned on each side of the apparatus (10) andinterconnecting the support members.

In a further embodiment, the length of the gliding elements (30), in theform of skis or runners, can be adjusted in order to accommodate variouslengths of the stabilizing beam (20) within the apparatus (10). Inanother embodiment, one or more detachable side rails (50) can bepositioned on each side of the apparatus (10), extending from onesupport member (12) to another (14) to further stabilize the apparatus(10) and to protect a skater from side collisions with obstacles orother skaters. Moreover, when the stabilizing beam (20) is rotated intoa position where it is parallel to the surface and being used as a benchseat for the skater, the side rails (50) can act as a back rest or as abottom rail (52) as a footrest.

Similar to the stabilizing beam (20), the side rails (50) can beadjustable in length such that when extended, they match the length ofthe stabilizing beam (20) and/or the keel (70). In addition, the siderails (50) can be attached to the support members (12, 14) using a rigidhook and slot system, or can be attached using the keyhole and boltarrangement, as described above with respect to the stabilizing beam(20). In this case, a plurality of slots (26) can be vertically andhorizontally arranged on the support members (12, 14), so that the siderails (50) can be positioned according to the situation. Preferably, atleast one side of the side rails (50) are detachable from the apparatus(10) to facilitate access to the middle of the apparatus. In order tomake the apparatus (10) easy to store and transport, it is preferredthat all side rails (50) are detachable from the support members (12,14). In a further embodiment, at least one of the side rails (50) isstorable within or by attachment to the support members (12, 14),allowing users to easily access the centre of the apparatus (10) asshown in FIG. 6. In this case, it is unnecessary for both ends of theside rails (50) to be completely detachable from the support members(12, 14), instead one end can fully detach and the other end can pivotwith respect to the support member, in order to be concealed therein.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the side rails (50) is storablewithin or by attachment to the base (5), allowing users to easilytransport the apparatus.

In another embodiment, a folding seat (60) attachable to a supportmember and/or stabilizing beam may be opened up at times when a skaterneeds to sit. The back of the seat is lockable at an adjustable heightsuch that the seat, when folded down, may rest on or beside thestabilizing beam. In a further embodiment, the seat may be folded andstowed along or within a support member when not in use so as not tointerfere with the skater's stride.

In one particular embodiment of the apparatus (10), as shown in FIG. 7,a base (5) is provided, to which the support members (12, 14) areattached. In one arrangement, the support members (12, 14) are hinged tothe base (5) so that they can be stored substantially parallel to thebase (5) for easy storage and transport. However, it is possible toprovide the support members (12, 14) as separate elements from base (5)and have the support members (12, 14) inserted into, or otherwiseattached to, the base (5) when in use. The base (5) can be simply two ormore platforms to which the support members (12. 14) attach and whichare interconnected by a keel (70). The keel (70) can be connected to thebase (5) or can be a separate element that is attached to the base (5)when the apparatus (10) is in use. The keel may also be extendedtelescopically to lengthen the apparatus, if necessary.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the keel (70) can rotateabout its longitudinal axis to form a foot rest. When used incombination with the side rails (50) as a back rest and when thestabilizing beam (20) is rotated to form a bench seat, the keel (70)positioned as a foot rest can help the skater or attendant take on andoff skates. The keel (5), when in its vertical orientation, can helpprevent the skater from crossing the ankles and turning the skate bladesat an angle to the direction of travel that could inadvertently cause asprain or cause the user to fall from the apparatus (10).

Integrated with the base (5) or separate thereto, bottom rails (52) canbe provided to add stability to the apparatus (10). Similar to the siderails (50), the bottom rails interconnect the base (5). The bottom rails(52) may be used as a means of constraining the lateral stride of theskater or as a footrest. Although the bottom rail is described herein asa separate component from the side rails, it should be understood thatthe side rail (50) closest to the ground can be considered a “bottomrail”.

Inclusion of a base (5) allows for the other detachable parts of theapparatus (10), such as the side rails (50), stabilizing beam (20), tobe positioned on the base (5) and the support members (12, 14) to befolded over onto the detachable parts and base (5) to form a very planarshape, which is easily transported in most vehicles (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

To aid in the transport of the apparatus (10) in unassembled form to andfrom the desired location for use, one of the supporting members (12,14) can be provided with wheels (32) or, if present, the wheels (32) canbe attached to the base (5). The presence of wheels (32) allows the userto pick up the opposite end of the apparatus (10) and push or pull theapparatus (10) to its desired location. In addition, to help maneuverthe apparatus (10), a handle (76) can be integrated with the base (5) orthe support members (12, 14).

As shown in FIG. 4, multiple apparatuses (10) can be connected to form atrain. In this case, more than two support members (12, 14) areprovided, along with multiple stabilizing beams (20).

As shown in FIG. 8, the support member(s) (14) can be divided intosmaller and detachable side sections (72, 74) that can be mated with, orattached to, a main section (76). It should be noted that FIG. 8 shows asingle support member (14), whereas both support members (14, 16) orjust one of the support members can be divided.

The detachable side sections (72, 74) can be mated, or otherwiseattached to, the main section (76) in a manner that the overall width ofthe apparatus (10) can be adjusted to accommodate skaters of varioussizes and skating strides. One way the overall width of the apparatus(10) can be adjusted is to provide the detachable side sections (72, 74)with a series of eyelets (78) which fasteners can inserted through tosecure the detachable side sections (72, 74) to the main section (76) atattachment points (80, 82, 84 and 86). In order to improve the overallstructural integrity of the apparatus (10), it is preferred that thedetachable side sections (72, 74) be mated to the main section (76)through a tongue and groove arrangement, where the detachable sidesections (72, 74) are slid into a channel on the main section (76).

In this embodiment, the height of the support member (14) can beadjusted by providing a detachable top section (88) that is attached tothe main section (76). The detachable top section (88) can be attachedto the main section (76) through a series of eyelets either positionedon the detachable top section (88) or the main section (76). These twosections can be attached together using a fastener, such as a bolt.

As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of slots (65) can be cutout on thedetachable side sections (72, 74). These slots (65) allow for verticaland horizontal adjustment of the placement of the side rails (50) toaccommodate skaters of different sizes. In addition, additional slots(92, 94, 96, 98) can be positioned on the edges of the detachable sidesections (72, 74) to accommodate side rails (50) as either back (92, 94)or foot (96, 98) rests.

In order to facilitate assembly of the apparatus (10), the main section(76) can be hinged with respect to the base (5). The user can rotate themain section (76) into a vertical position and lock the bottom portionof the main section (76) by friction tabs (100), which allow for themain section (76) to be held in place while the rest of the apparatus(10) is assembled. A backstop bar (102) can also be provided to preventover-rotation of main section (76).

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described,various changes and modifications may be effected without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for providing support for a skater, said apparatuscomprising; at least two support members, at least one of which theskater can grasp for support; a stabilizing beam for connecting said atleast two support members which the skater can straddle when using theapparatus; and at least one gliding or rolling element connected to eachof said at least two support members to allow movement of the apparatus.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height and width of the atleast two support members are independently adjustable.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said stabilizing beam is releasably connected tosaid at least two support members.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid stabilizing beam can rotate with respect to the at least twosupport members from a skating position, whereby the plane of saidstabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to the surface in whichthe apparatus is being operated, to a resting position, whereby theplane of said stabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surfacein which the apparatus is being operated.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the length of said stabilizing beam is adjustable.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one side rail thatinterconnects said at least two support members for increasing thestructural integrity of the apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the length of the at least one side rail is adjustable.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one side rail is fullydetachable from the at least two support members.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein one end of said at least one side rail is pivotablyattached and dimensioned to be stored inside one of the support members.10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising slots vertically andhorizontally arranged on said at least two support members to receivethe ends of said stabilizing beam, said one or more side rails, or acombination of both of these.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a base to which the at least two support members are attachedthereto.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base comprises akeel that is dimensioned to span the distance between the at least twosupport members.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the keel isrotatable along its longitudinal axis from a vertical position, wherebythe plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to thesurface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a foot restposition, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantiallyparallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated. 14.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said support members are foldableupon the base to facilitate transport and storage of the apparatus whennot in use.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising wheelsattached to at least one of the support members or to the base tofacilitate transportation of the apparatus to and from a desiredlocation for use.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aseat element attached to said stabilizing beam.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least three support members and at leasttwo stabilizing beams.
 18. A method of assembling the apparatus of claim11 comprising the steps of: a. positioning the at least two supportmembers vertically with respect to the base; b. attaching thestabilizing beam to the at least two support members; and c. fasteningthe at least one side rail to the at least two support members.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the at least two support members hinged tothe base and rotated into their vertical orientation.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the step of positioning comprises inserting the atleast two support members into the base.